Florida was aware Sunday’s game against Florida State was more meaningful than most, and it wasn’t hard to tell.
After dropping the first set on its home court, No. 5 UF rallied to defeat No. 18 FSU 3-1 (22-25, 25-18, 25-21, 25-20) in the O’Connell Center.
A ferocious kill by senior middle blocker Simone Antwi got the match underway, much to the delight of the energized crowd of 3,612. Fueled by the anticipation of a rivalry game, the Gators (8-1) rocketed out of the gates to build a 13-6 lead in the first set and looked as if they might cruise to victory.
But the Seminoles (7-4) had other plans.
A 19-9 run by FSU to close out the set put Florida in an early, unexpected deficit.
With their backs against the wall, the Gators didn’t panic.
"I felt like as a team we did a good job of calming each other down and especially picking each other up when something didn’t go our way, so it was really exciting to see us come together in that aspect," said sophomore outside hitter Carli Snyder, who finished the game with 11 kills and 12 digs in her first game back since suffering an ankle injury.
The second set began much like the first, with the Gators building a 13-6 lead.
This time, though, they never looked back, winning 25-18 and pulling the match even at one game apiece.
Both the third and fourth sets were brutally contested.
The two heavyweights traded blows throughout, with each team taking the other’s best shot and responding with an attack of equal ferocity.
In the end, however, it was the home team that prevailed.
The Gators won 25-21 and 25-20 to secure the victory.
"It is so much fun to beat Florida State," senior setter Mackenzie Dagostino said. "I don’t think there’s another match out there that we’re not this pumped up for."
Dagostino amassed 48 assists en route to the win.
Florida also received excellent play from its two middle blockers, sophomore Rhamat Alhassan and Antwi, who combined for 26 kills and and 15 blocks.
Their performances were especially significant considering the absence of senior outside hitter Ziva Recek, who is competing for the Slovenian national team at the European Championships, leaving the Gators short-handed.
"They battled, so it was really such great individual efforts in some trying circumstances against a great team," coach Mary Wise said.
"To go toe to toe with Florida State and be able to pull out a win is a testament to the team’s character."
Follow Brian Lee on Twitter @brianlee_17
UF setter Mackenzie Dagostino (6) sets the ball for middle blocker Simone Antwi (16) during Florida's 3-1 win on Sept. 20, 2015, in the O'Connell Center.
